Repeated strange occurrences appeared exclusive to table 2 (the red table) which included several misdeals, the improper moving of 2 players and a red deck short by one card for who know’s how long. The 7 of diamonds was discovered on the floor about an hour into play.
Brian H. was the first casualty of the night after suffering two horrendous beats at the hands of Keith K. and "Buffalo" Bill B. Kevin A. was next followed by the surprising early exit of Nick G. Keith K. was out 16th followed by overall points leader Mike T. to narrow the field to 14 players.
Sean O. was out in 14th place when his pocket kings ran into John M's pocket aces. Sean was followed by Chris S. who moved in for 79k preflop holding pocket 3’s and was called by John M. who rolled over A-K. John hit an ace on the ensuing flop which held up and sent Chris packing in 13th place. Jim O. was eliminated in 12th place when Kyle H’s flopped pair defeated Jim’s 2 over cards. However a short time later, Kyle’s short stack was all-in pre-flop with K-4 o/s. “Buffalo” Bill made the call with pocket 9’s which claimed the pot and put Kyle out in 11th place.
Eric Wej. was eliminated in 10th place when his rivered flush was defeated by John M’s turned boat of jack’s full. Just as that hand concluded and prior to forming the final table of 9 players, Jason Tr. eliminated Jeff R. in 9th place when Jason’s A-Q out-kicked Jeff’s A-5 on the ace-high board.
Anita G. was the first player eliminated from the final table of 8 players when she pushed all-in for 70k with Q-J suited. She was called by none other than John M. with wired 10’s which took the pot. Tom W. was next after his stack was crippled by Angie S’s pocket kings. He was subsequently sent to the rail when his A-J missed the board and Jim S. paired a king. Angie was eliminated next in 6th place by Jim S. when her A-Q missed the board and Jim once again paired his king. “Buffalo” Bill was eliminated on the bubble by chip leader John M. when Bill’s pocket 10’s were defeated by John’s rivered jack.
Jim S, Jason Tr, Jason Ta. and John M. all made the money and started 4 handed play with John holding a dominating chip lead. Jason Tr. was eliminated in 4th place at level 10 with the blinds at 15k-30k and a 5k ante. Jason raised to 100k pre-flop with A-K o/s which was called by John M’s pocket 6’s. Jason missed the flop however called John's bet for his remaining 120k in chips. The turn helped neither player however John actually made a set with a 6 on the river. Jason Ta. was next when he pushed with A-10 however four clubs on the board made John a flush.
John faced Jim S. in heads-up play with roughly a 9-1 chip lead with the blinds at 25k/50k and a 7k ante. Both players battled back and forth for a short time before Jim raised to 150k holding As-10d. John called with the Jc-5h and both players saw the Jh-5d-2s flop. Jim moved all-in and John quickly called with top two pair. The Js on the turn made John a full house and left Jim drawing dead. The meaningless 3d river officially ended the tournament and gave John his first FNCPT win.
Complete results can be viewed here: www.wedgerock.com/fishnchipsCongrats again to John M! Also congrats to runner up Jim S. who broke a cashless drought of 19 consecutive events.
~Jason Tr.
